Australia is the land of stunning contrasts, with unparalleled natural wonders, diverse cultures, mystic allure, and urban charm. There are so many amazing places in Australia for sightseeing, with the country being chock-full of the best destinations to visit. The country spans almost 770 acres, which is why it won’t come as a surprise when you find out how many incredible places to see are in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Great Barrier Reef, Adelaide, Perth, Tasmania, Uluru, Canberra, and Cairns.

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Australia? 

Australia is home to hundreds of national parks, buzzing cosmopolitan cities, 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Whether you are planning a quick trip to one destination or an organised tour to explore the country, there is no lack of unique, beautiful places to go to in Australia. Here are some of the top places in the country that you can consider adding to your itinerary:

• Sydney 

• Melbourne 

• Brisbane 

• Great Barrier Reef 

• Adelaide 

• Perth 

• Tasmania 

• Uluru 

• Canberra 

• Cairns 

Sydney 

The dynamic capital city of New South Wales is one of the most iconic places in Australia that you must visit. The city boasts of an urban lifestyle and is home to some of the top tourist attractions of Australia.

Why Visit: Renowned tourist spots, stunning beaches, unique of the Aboriginal culture, and a sophisticated culinary adventure. 

Places to Visit: Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo Reserve, Ku-Ring-Gai Wildflower Garden, Royal National Park, Auburn Botanical Gardens, Hornby Lighthouse, Cockatoo Island 

Things to Do in Sydney: Explore the Queenscliff Tunnel, relax at one of the many beaches of Sydney, go kayaking and partake in other water sports, ride the Manly Ferry, visit the museums and art galleries of Sydney, and enjoy a day out at Luna Park. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 3 to 5 days, depending on your list of things to see in Australia.

Best Time to Visit: Spring season (September to November) and autumn (Mid-February or March to May). 

Melbourne 

A must-add destination for your list of places to visit in Australia, Melbourne is the cultural capital of Victoria, where heritage and modernity blend together in a rich tapestry. Melbourne is one of the best places to go to in Australia for its cultural diversity, amazing attractions, and lively urban atmosphere.

Why Visit: Vibrant laneway culture, thriving arts scene, non-stop festivals and sporting events, and a sophisticated food and coffee culture. 

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Southbank Promenade, Federation Square, Melbourne Skydeck, Flinders Street Station, Kilda Beach, Brighton Bathing Boxes, Docklands, Shrine of Remembrance, Cook’s Cottage, and Organ Pipes National Park. 

Things to Do: Witness the Aurora Australis, explore the popular laneways and arcades of Melbourne, take a City Circle Tram tour, visit popular museums, galleries, and exhibits, wine tasting tour to Yarra Valley, kayaking in Yarra River, hot air balloon ride, drive on the Great Ocean Road, concert at Hamer Hall or Sydney Myer Music Bowl, whiskey tasting at Starward Distillery. 

Ideal Duration: 3 to 5 days, based on all sightseeing places in Australia that you plan to visit.

Best Time to Visit: Autumn season (March to May). 

Brisbane 

If you are planning to spend your winter in Australia, you must head to Brisbane. One of the best places to see in Australia, Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland. One of the coolest cities in Australia, Brisbane offers a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere, with a blend of natural serenity, bustling city attractions, and thrilling activities.

Why Visit: Sunny subtropical climate, riverside lifestyle, outdoor adventure activities, rich cultural scene with performing arts and world-class museums, unique wildlife, and stunning islands and national parks. 

Places to Visit in Brisbane: South Bank Parklands, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mount Coot-Tha Botanical Gardens and Summit, Story Bridge, Roma Street Parkland, Howard Smith Wharves, Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane, Eat Street Northshore, Gold Coast, and Boggo Road Gaol. 

Things to Do: Explore nearby islands, like Moreton and St Helena, New Farm River Walk, Riverlife Adventure Centre, visit the museums and galleries, cruise on the Brisbane River, experience performing arts shows. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 2 to 3 days. 

Best Time to Visit: May to October (winter season and shoulder months). 

Great Barrier Reef 

Another one of the most iconic places in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-add for your list. It boasts a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere, offering a blend of bustling city attractions and serene natural places to visit in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most amazing things to see in Australia.

Why Visit: A must-see destination, vast ecosystem, natural wonder, biodiversity, unique experiences, home to several rare marine life varieties, and stunning natural beauty. 

Places to Visit near the Great Barrier Reef: Port Douglas, Whitsunday Islands, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Lady Elliot Island, Heron Island, Townsville, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. 

Things to Do: Snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottomed boat tours, aerial tours, reef pontoon trips, semi-submersible tour, witness the Heart Reef, and island hopping. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 3 to 5 days. 

Best Time to Visit: June to October (during the winter season). 

Adelaide

Counted among the coolest cities in Australia, Adelaide is known to be a diverse and free-spirited city, popular for its festivals and churches. Adelaide is the best city in Australia for witnessing how history and modernity co-exist. Also known as the Opal Capital of Australia, with several things to see, Adelaide offers various outdoor activities as well.

Why Visit: Known as the “20-Minute City” for its easy-to-explore, compact layout. Vibrant cultural hub, world-class food and wine, renowned festivals, and a rich history and culture. 

Places to Visit in Adelaide: Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Botanical Garden, Himeji Garden, National Wine Centre of Australia, Old Adelaide Gaol, Victoria Square, Carrick Hill, St Peter’s Cathedral, Waterfall Gully, Cleland National Park. 

Things to Do: Explore the wine regions, visit the museums and galleries, guided tour of Adelaide Oval, hiking at Morialta Conservation Park, visit Hahndorf, visit the seaside suburbs of Semaphore, and wildlife spotting. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 3 to 4 days. 

Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). 

Perth 

The next addition to your list of places to visit in Australia should be Perth, which was once known as the gateway city to Australia. This is the best city in Australia for wine and beaches. One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Australia, Perth is home to looming skyscrapers, classic beaches, untouched scenic beauty, and more.

Why Visit: Vibrant outdoor lifestyle, famous beaches, rich cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, Aboriginal heritage, wildlife encounters, and abundant sunshine. 

Places to Visit in Perth: Rottnest Island, Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay, Perth Mint, Hillary’s Boat Harbour, Caversham Wildlife Park, Bell Tower, Heirsson Island, Perth Cultural Centre, State War Memorial. 

Things to Do: Visit the beaches and museums, Lotterywest Fest Federation Walkway, winery tours, whale spotting, swim with dolphins, explore history at the Round House and Fremantle Prison, and enjoy the raw beauty of Swan Valley. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 3 to 5 days. 

Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November). 

Tasmania 

Full of some of the best things to see in Australia, Tasmania is the country’s only island state and houses some of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia. Almost half of the island is full of iconic places of Australia, like reserves, protected areas, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Why Visit: Rugged mountains, pristine wilderness, natural beauty, unique wildlife like the Tasmanian Devil, stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and a delectable food and wine scene. 

Places to Visit in Tasmania: Bay of Fires, Port Arthur Historical Site, Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island, Mount Wellington, Richmond Tasmania, Cataract Gorge Valley, Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs, Stanley Tasmania. 

Things to Do: Hike at the national parks, browse lively markets, learn about convict history, spot wildlife, discover art and culture, cruise on Gordon River, witness the Tessellated Pavement, hike at Three Capes Track. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 3 days. 

Best Time to Visit: Summers (December to February). 

Uluru 

If you’re looking for the best tourist attractions in Australia, head to Uluru. Uluru is definitely one of the best places to visit in Australia with diverse flora and fauna, unique desert ecosystem, and vibrant life. You will find some of the most iconic places of Australia in Uluru.

Why Visit: Breathtaking natural beauty, spiritual and cultural significance for Anangu people, unique experiences and outdoor activities, opportunities to support conservation efforts, stunning sunrises and sunsets, stargazing, clear Outback skies, and learn about Australia’s ancient culture. 

Places to Visit in Uluru: Cultural Centre, Field of Light, Kaja Tjuta, Maruku Arts, Walkatjara Arts, Sunset Viewing Areas, Mutitjulu Waterhole, and Kings Canyon. 

Things to Do: Bushwalks, hikes, camel tours, segway tours, birdwatching, cultural walks, Wintjiri Wiru, stargazing, art and culture workshops. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 3 days. 

Best Time to Visit: Autumn to winter season (April to September). 

Canberra

Canberra is another spot that you can add to your list of places to visit in Australia. The elegant capital city offers a refined charm through a blend of cultural institutions and natural beauty. Some amazing places to see in Australia are also located in the country’s capital city as well.

Why Visit: Harmonious mix of nature, history, and national culture, significant monuments, world-class museums, vibrant culinary and events scenes, top sightseeing places of Australia, and scenic outdoor spaces.

Places to Visit in Canberra: Australian War Memorial, National Zoo and Aquarium, Parliament House, Mount Ainslie, Lake Burley Griffin, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Changi Chapel, Floriade, Gibraltar Falls. 

Things to Do: Visit the museums and galleries, shop at Old Bus Depot Market and Farmer Markets, go to Questacon, Art Scavenger Hunt, visit Cockington Green Gardens, cycling, and go on scenic drives. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 2 to 3 days. 

Best Time to Visit: Spring season (September to November). 

Cairns 

Cairns is one of the best places to visit in Australia. The sightseeing places in the city are perfect for those who want to discover the tropical riches of the region by themselves. The city is filled with bustling markets, chic cafés, and beach bars and clubs. 

Why Visit: Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest) side-by-side, indulge in adventure activities, see its natural beauty, experience it as a cultural hub, taste diverse cuisine, partake in indigenous experiences, visit night markets, and enjoy the laid-back tropical atmosphere. 

Places to Visit in Cairns: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Forest, Kuranda, Palm Clove, Atherton, Esplanade Lagoon, Walshs Pyramid, Green Island, Michaelmas Cay, Trinity Beach, Innot Hot Springs, Cape Tribulation. 

Things to Do: Spot a Cassowary, visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure, day trip to the many waterfalls, helicopter tours, snorkelling, Muddy’s Playground, visit Tully George National Park for the dramatic gorge, sheer cliffs, picturesque river, native wildlife, swimming, and hiking. 

Ideal Duration of Visit: 4 to 5 days. 

Best Time to Visit: Winter season (June to August).  

Other amazing places to go to in Australia include the Gold Coast, Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, Darwin, Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Draser Island, Torquay, Noosa, Wollongong, Tamworth, and many more. Make sure you check out what each place has to offer, so you can finalise which places you want to add to your Australia vacation packages. 

FAQs 

Q1. Why is Australia so laid-back? 

Australia's culture is rooted in work-life balance and an outdoor lifestyle, which gives cities a relaxed, easygoing vibe even in bustling areas like Sydney and Melbourne. 

Q2. Are there hidden natural wonders in Australia? 

Yes! The Bungle Bungles in Western Australia and Wilpena Pound in South Australia are less crowded but equally stunning, offering unique landscapes and hikes. 

Q3. What if I don’t want just beaches and the Reef? 

Explore the Outback for its red deserts and starry skies or Tasmania for cool-climate hiking in pristine forests and mountains. 

Q4. What wildlife is beyond kangaroos and koalas? 

Quokkas on Rottnest Island, sea lions off the Neptune Islands, and the elusive platypus in Tasmania offer unique animal encounters. 

Q5. Is Australian food just pies and Vegemite? 

Not at all! Australia's food scene is a vibrant mix of Asian, Mediterranean, and local produce, with standout regions like Tasmania offering fresh, innovative dishes